Do
|
Don't
|
Say Goodbye and Tell Your Child You Love Them
Give them a hug, kiss, or whatever other parting custom you share with your child. This is very important it gives your child the sense that you are not abandoning them. |
Sneak Out of the Room When Your Child Isn’t Looking
Your child is crying because they are afraid of abandonment, and when they look up to see their parent has left stealthily, the fear is reinforced. This is unfair to your child, the provider and the other children in the daycare. |
Smile and Tell Them That You Know That They Will Have Fun at Daycare
Let them see on your face that they are safe and there is nothing for them to worry about. This may take a bit of acting on your part, especially if it is your first child and they are separating for the first time. I know how torn parents can feel in these situations. You know already that parenting isn’t easy, and this is a difficult time when you need to be strong for your child. Show them your biggest and most confident smile as you leave, then you can go cry. Reassure Them
Remind them that you know they will have a fun day at daycare, even though they are sad right now. Remind them that you (or whoever else) are coming back to get them. Be quick
The longer you hang around the harder it is on your child. Drop off should be no more then two (2) minutes long, five (5) minutes if you need to speak with the provider |
Look Scared and Sad Yourself
The way young children assess the safety of a situation is by reading their parent’s face. If you look like you are scared or about to cry, it will not convey that the situation is safe and will amplify their anxiety. Show Indifference to Your Child’s Tears
It is important that they know that you care when they are sad. Don’t scold them for crying or act frustrated by their emotions. Doing so will only add a sense of parental disappointment to their ongoing emotional anguish. Take your time
Its hard to say good-bye at times. But the longer you are in the daycare the more stressed your child will became. You can also stress out other children in the daycare. |